Khayamiya

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In the heart of old Islamic Cairo, just behind Bab Zuwelah, across the bustling square lies Chariah-el- Khayamia, one of the oldest and the only remaining covered street.

The sunlight streams through the roof and the brilliant colours of the stunning applique designs dance in its rays from each shop doorway. This colourful background is a feast for the eyes and a joy to behold the master craftsmen at work.

Here is the heart and home of the ‘Tentmakers’ a small tighlty knit community producing dazzling works of art – appliqued cloth images in the same way as has been done from generation to generation for 3,000years or more.

At one time it is said that there were more than a thousand men (for it is only men that work here) working in the ‘street’ now there are only about 20 shops and 30 – 40 stitchers.